Do Not Fear What They Fear

But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect. – 1 Peter 3:14-16a (NRSVUE) 

Curious, isn’t it? How the writer of a letter to the first-century churches near Rome doesn’t say, as Jesus and the angels so often did, “Do not be afraid.” How the writer implies that while certain fears may be justified, we should not give in to the fears of those who persecute us. 

I came across this passage during a difficult week. First there was the anti-gay, anti-Black, anti-vax, anti-pastor graffiti discovered on the church’s front door early on a Sunday morning. Then, the very next day, there was a phone call from someone wanting to know where the church’s offices are located, “in the historic part or the newer part?” of the building. 

Yes, we engaged the police. Of course, we took precautions. Naturally, we wondered what kind of people would do such things. 

Perhaps we should also consider what such people are afraid of. Diversity? Equality? Science? Living in a world they can’t control? People who live by faith and hope? 

We should not fear what they fear, the letter says. We need not be intimidated. But perhaps we should worry about becoming so disconnected from the people who live with such fears that they feel the only way to reach us is to scrawl their judgments on our doors. 

Prayer
May we live out your extravagant love with gentleness and respect for all.

About the Author
Vicki Kemper is the Pastor of First Congregational, UCC, of Amherst, Massachusetts.